Why You Should Never Stop Exercising: A Recovery Story
It's very hard to lose weight but very easy to gain it. This truth becomes painfully obvious when illness forces you to pause your fitness routine, even for just a few days.
After feeling sick for several days and not exercising, the consequences were immediate and uncomfortable. My body became stiff, stretching was painful, and even my legs, neck, and head were aching. The lack of exercise had taken a significant toll on my physical wellbeing.
Taking Control of Your Body
The key to getting back on track is understanding that you must control your body—not let your body control you. This means:
- Control your mouth and your cravings
- Force your body to move even when it doesn't want to
- Resist the temptation to remain sedentary
It's not easy, but it's necessary. You have to force yourself to move, to exercise, to get back into your routine.
The Return to Fitness
Getting back to exercise after being sick isn't about immediately returning to your previous level. It's about gradually rebuilding your strength and endurance.
For instance, when using a treadmill, you might need to reduce your speed settings. Before illness, running at speeds of 9 or even 10 might have been comfortable, but during recovery, scaling back to 5, 6, or 7 is perfectly acceptable. The maximum setting of 12 can be a goal to work toward as you regain your fitness.
The Benefits of Persistence
Even a short 20-minute workout can make a significant difference in recovery. The benefits become apparent quickly:
- Increased energy levels
- Reduced stiffness and pain
- Improved mood and mental clarity
- Accelerated recovery from illness
After just one session, you might notice sweating replacing the chills of illness—a sign your body is responding positively to the exercise.
Remember: Start Small
You don't need to be a professional or lift heavy weights to benefit from exercise. Starting with just what you can manage—even if it's only lifting 5 or 10 pounds—is perfectly fine. The important thing is to start and to be consistent.
Your health is your most valuable asset. When you're in good health, you can achieve almost anything. It's only when health issues limit your capabilities that your goals become harder to reach.
So keep moving, keep exercising, and never stop taking care of your body—it's the only one you have.
